So you want to buy an RV? The myths versus the reality

When most people look to get away for their holidays they opt for a car or a plane to get to their desired locations, instead of choosing an RV, and there are plenty of objective reasons for this. Some people simply like to unwind and get to a destination as soon as possible and thus opt for a plane, while others like to explore the sites along the way and thus travel with a car, but others are simply afraid of trying out RV travel because of myths that surround it.

Of course, the quality of RV (Recreational Vehicle, a self contained camper van) travel depends on the type of vehicle that you are driving. Models differ greatly, ranging from the always popular Winnebago Adventurer ($120,000-$180,000 new) to the ultra-luxurious Newell Coach ($1,700,000), but the myths are universal. Here the five most common RV myths – and why they are not true:

RV travel is more expensive than other types of holidays

The big upfront cost of buying or renting an RV can seem steep, but in reality it can be one of the more cost-effective ways to travel. What many people forget to consider is the hefty price of things such as airfare, car rental, accommodation and eating, which can result in a bigger sum than the cost of travelling with an RV. According to research by US travel consulting agency PKF, “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 per cent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."

RVs are difficult to drive and park

Many people fear that they will not be able to safely manoeuvre an RV, even though when you try it, there’s no reason to be overly worried. You actually get used to the size of the vehicle quite quickly and, if you only drive as fast as you feel comfortable with, there’s really no extra danger on the road. Here are a few tips to make your RV driving experience easier:

Always monitor your surroundings through windows and mirrors.

Know how many cars are following you, if you have anyone driving beside you, and what potential obstacles are ahead.

Decelerate slowly and steadily.

Cornering with a larger vehicle requires more turning radius so always watch the back of your vehicle.

Always plan your routes in advance, even in seemingly familiar areas – your RV might not be able to pass where your car can.

RVs are gas guzzlers

Well, this one actually used to be at least somewhat true – a few decades ago RVs were often quite the gas-guzzlers, but luckily the newer models are actually quite fuel efficient. Of course, travel conditions vary greatly, but some models get terrific mileage; a 10-metre Winnebago Rialta reportedly uses 12.8 litres/100km and the 6-metre Roadtrek Sprinter uses around 14.1 litres/100km, compared with a relatively fuel efficient car, such as the Toyota Camry, which uses about 9.4 litres/100km. The lighter the RV, generally the more efficient it will be.

You need a special RV licence

Another common myth that has to be debunked: no, you do not need any additional driver’s licence besides the one you have for your car.

RVs can’t be as comfortable as a home

Many people see RV travel as a big step-down from what they are used to at home and are hesitant to live this way for extended periods on the road. Luckily, it couldn’t be further from the truth. You can cook any food you would at home in the RV’s kitchen, relax in the lounge area and find privacy for work just as easily as at home – nowadays it’s common to even have internet and satellite TV. Of course, the space is somewhat smaller, but everything is laid out in a way to make the difference minimal. In some of the most luxurious RVs, you can even find features such as home theatre systems, roof top hot tubs, in-room baths or even retractable sky decks, which might make living even more extravagant than in most ordinary homes.

By Jeremy Fenwick who writes for RV Pages , part of Intermedia Group. RV Pages is an online resource for the recreational vehicle industry.

MORE

The ultimate test: Winnebago versus Maserati

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The myths versus the reality